Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is very common, and many people who have it do not know it. That is because it usually does not cause symptoms. The good news is that it is easy to check, and there are many ways to manage it with the help of a healthcare professional.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is written as two numbers, like "top number over bottom number."

• The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats.
• The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Blood pressure naturally goes up and down during the day. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the pressure stays too high over time.

Why it matters

Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs. It raises the risk of:

• Heart disease and heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems

Because it often has no warning signs, it is sometimes called a "silent" condition. The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured.

What can raise the risk?

Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as:

• Getting older
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Race and ethnicity, as some groups are affected more often

Other factors can be influenced by daily habits and health care, such as:

• Eating a diet high in sodium (salt)
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Having overweight or obesity
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Using tobacco
• Having other conditions, such as diabetes

Getting your blood pressure checked

Blood pressure is checked with a cuff on your upper arm. It only takes a minute.

Places you might get it checked:

• At a regular checkup
• At a community health center or local health department
• At some pharmacies
• At home with a home blood pressure monitor, if your healthcare professional recommends one

Ask your healthcare professional what your numbers mean and how often you should have your blood pressure checked. A single high reading does not always mean you have high blood pressure. Your healthcare professional may want several readings over time.

Tips for an accurate reading

Healthcare organizations commonly suggest:

• Sitting quietly for a few minutes before the reading
• Sitting with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
• Resting your arm at about heart level
• Using a cuff that fits your arm
• Avoiding caffeine, exercise, and tobacco right before measuring

If you check at home, write down your readings with the date and time and bring them to your appointments or telehealth visits.

Everyday habits that support healthy blood pressure

These general habits are recommended for heart health. Talk with your healthcare professional about what is right for you.

• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
• Watch sodium. Many packaged, canned, and restaurant foods are high in salt. Reading food labels can help.
• Move more. Find physical activity you enjoy, like walking, gardening, or dancing.
• Limit alcohol.
• Avoid tobacco. If you use tobacco, ask about resources to help you quit.
• Get enough sleep and find healthy ways to manage stress.

Treatment

Some people need medicine to manage high blood pressure, along with healthy habits. If medicine is prescribed, take it as directed. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking with your healthcare professional first, even if you feel fine.

If getting to appointments is hard, ask whether some follow-up visits can be done by telehealth, or whether home readings can be shared with your care team.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• If you have not had your blood pressure checked recently
• If you have home readings that are higher than usual or that worry you
• If you have questions about your medicine or side effects

Call 911 right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache.

This page is for general education and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.